Wedding Styles and More

If you’re considering buying an engagement ring, but aren’t sure where to start, it’s a good idea to focus first on the diamond. It’s often the most notable element, and will strongly shape its overall style.

The round brilliant cut is by the most popular cut – and it’s clear why. First developed in 1919, it was designed to produce the most sparkle possible from the rough. Its 58 facets reflect so much light that with a skillfully cut round diamond, your engagement ring will have tons of sparkle.

The second most popular cut is the princess. Princess cut engagement rings are appealing because they blend a similar degree of sparkle – depending on the quality – of a round, with the modern shape of a square. Despite only being popularized since the 1960s, princess cut diamonds are now seen as timeless. They also appeal to diamond cutters, because they can use more of the rough and less is wasted.

We suggest looking at these two cuts before you do anything else. Fancier cuts such as ovals and marquise are variations on the round. Asscher and emerald cuts may be alternatives if you’re a fan of the princess cut, but want something more unique.

Lots of jewelers tell you that they can help you design a completely unique engagement ring. With loose diamonds and endless amounts of settings, it can seem a legitimate promise.

There a small number of brands, however, who truly deliver on this promise. With cutting-edge technology, they present hundreds of thousands of options that you can uniquely combine into one ring. After a particular shape of diamond? A specific design for the ring’s top? The side-stones, and the band’s width? Whatever your tastes, these brands will create bespoke, unique engagement rings that reflect your style.

This doesn’t even have to mean a heftier price tag, either. These people know how important it is to get your engagement ring exactly right – because it’s going to be worn every day for the rest of your life. You can talk to the designers on the phone, discuss the compatibility of different styles, and get expert advice on picking a diamond.

It’s generally a given that your wedding will be photographed, but what other ways will you be able to preserve the happy memories for years to come? Many people use a guestbook, allowing friends and family to leave meaningful messages of love and well wishing. We know that people are always looking for ways to make their wedding special and different, so here are a few alternatives.

Polaroid Guestbook

It would be a bit of a stretch to call this one unique, since we do see it cropping up at weddings every now and then. It’s easy to see why, though – guests love it. It’s such fun for them to take some candid, goofy photos, and the design makes it easy to add notes. They’re simple to add to a scrapbook and have a charming DIY feel about them.

Think outside the book

Who says a guestbook has to be a book? It’s your wedding so you can make the rules! Use pebbles, storybooks, flags– if you can write on it, it’s an option. It’s even cuter to tailor it to your personal story. Say you met while traveling; a map would be perfect. And if your guests are coming from all over the world, they can sign it on their country!

Video call

When people are under pressure to write a heartfelt message, they may resort to clichés. Leave a smartphone (you trust your guests, right?) or video camera where the guest book would normally be. When guests are in the mood, they can record each other leaving you their pearls of wisdom. This may work best before the open bar gets going, however…

Everyone wants to find the perfect unique engagement ring to please the woman they love. It’s not about buying the biggest diamond, or the most expensive band. It’s a challenge to find the style that will suit her, for a piece she will want to wear every day for the rest of her life.

If you’re looking for a distinctive style, consider three-stone engagement rings. These incorporate a center diamond, and then two slightly smaller ones, to create a dazzling effect. You can choose three stones that are all the same cut, or select different shapes for a more intriguing design. For example, a round diamond bordered with two pear-shaped diamonds creates an elegant, floral look that is both timeless and distinctive.

If you want to bring together two or three of your favorite diamond shapes, consider a custom ring design. A jeweler will work with you to create the exact engagement ring that you want, for the same price as a pre-designed one. The most important thing is that you find the engagement ring of your dreams – and a three-stone might be the perfect one for you.

Traditionally, the bride and groom wore wedding bands with complementary designs and matching metals. They were likely purchased at the same time and place, and symbolized their everlasting union.

These days, it’s not so simple. And that’s a good thing! Personal style is an increasingly more important factor when it comes to choosing your jewelry. No longer bound by such conventions, you can buy women’s wedding rings and men’s wedding bands to suit the individuals concerned.

This is also important from a health and safety point of view – believe it or not. While one person may have a deep admiration of warm metallic colors such as yellow and rose gold, another may need to wear a hypoallergenic metal. Palladium and platinum wedding bands are stunning alternative options that are suitable for sensitive skin.

Summer weddings are often the most enjoyable, thanks to the lovely weather and seasonal produce. To make sure your guests have the best possible time, there are a number of things to consider.

Keep things cool: Summer doesn’t necessarily equal scorching heat, but some of your guests might get a bit uncomfortable in warmer weather. Ensure that cold drinks are readily available, and supply parasols and fans if possible. In the early afternoon – the hottest time of the day – try to keep everyone in the shade, or stay inside. Have hats and sunscreen on hand for children.

Consider Color: Martha Stewart Weddings is a great resource if you’re having trouble choosing a color scheme. For summer weddings, brighter colors are very popular. Pastels tend to be more associated with springtime, while fall conjures images of earthy, rusty tones. It’s obviously important to consider you and your fiancés’ personal tastes, too.

Fresh, Flavorful Food: One of the best elements of a summer wedding is the availability of fresh, in-season produce. Take advantage of this, by offering fruit based desserts, exciting vegetable sides and colorful cocktails. Think outside the box with unique takes on classic, nutritious ingredients that your guests will love. Find a local caterer who knows what’s in season and will meet your needs.

Vintage engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular with those brides-to-be who want something a little more distinctive. With so many styles to choose from it can become overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to take note of which metals, settings, and diamond cuts you love the look of.

The metal you choose is an important factor, as it informs the look of your entire ring. Traditional yellow gold brings an antique classic feel, while platinum engagement rings are inspired by the 1920s art deco period. Precious metals all have different qualities. Platinum is hypoallergenic and more durable, making it a timeless choice for many women.

An engagement ring’s setting is another key identifier of vintage style. Diamond halos that encircle your center stone give it extra protection as well as enhancing its sparkle. Ornate french-set and micropavé styles, while vintage looking, are popular today because of their stunning appearance. These techniques allow diamonds to sit as close together as possible. This means that the metal is nearly invisible between the stones, giving a streamlined, luxurious impression.

Genuinely vintage engagement rings are incredibly expensive and are often in less than perfect condition. To get that vintage look but with modern craftsmanship, work with a jeweler to design your own engagement ring. Custom rings allow you to draw inspiration from the styles you truly love, so that an engagement ring is uniquely yours. It’s completely within your reach to have a one of a kind engagement ring, without the hefty price tag.